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 Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:22 pm
Ill Feelings
His feet fell like weighted stones upon the ground as he ran. Bam, bam, bam, bam, through the night. He had gathered but a few satchels, mostly filled with medicines and food, that clanged and chimed with his movements. It was a cacophony of sound that could wake even the heaviest of sleepers, but the route he had sprinted onto had steered clear of all villages thus far, thus making him the only one to bear witness to such distressing melody. His staff was clutched tightly in his fist, glowing brightly so that he may be able to see where he was going. It was only a dim light, just enough to see his feet and a little bit in front of him. Most people would have stopped at nightfall, when it was just too dark to see, but most people weren't like he was.
He was responsible. He had a duty to his fellow man that he had to carry out no matter the circumstances, no matter the pain. Even if he knew the length was too long, too wide, or too hard, he would cross it, walk it, and document it for all to see. He was the capable one, the one who kept track of everything, the one who knew just what to do if something went wrong. Nothing would ever keep him from fulfilling a promise, a pact, or a deal. No, he would never dream of it, never.
At the border he found himself coughing again, his chest tighter than the bandages on his wounds. He would have to cross into Tale tonight if he was to reach Yaholo in time. Oh, how he hated Tale, it was sandy and hot and agonizing and... NO. Yaholo, think of Yaholo! That man was the closest thing he had to a real friend! He had to cross Tale, he had to make it to Andile, and he had to do it tonight!
The sun was rising before he knew it, mostly because of the raging fever he had acquired during the journey. His perception of depth, light, and sound were blurring together into one humongous nauseating feeling. He wanted to vomit and lay down upon the sand. Maybe just for a little while he could rest and he could continue forward. Yes, just a short nap, and then...
"You're running out of time! Get up! Hurry!"
He twisted onto his side, cringing.
"Don't you dare go back to sleep! Get up! GET UP!"
He flopped onto his back, biting his lip.
"You're a lazy sack of s**t, boy! I SAID GET UP!"
"I apologize, I'm up!" He screamed, leaping up to his feet once more. Olive eyes scanned the surrounding areas for the voice he had heard, and fluttered. Nothing, always nothing. There was no one there, and it was only getting worse. Was he losing his mind, or had he lost it a long time ago? His mind was gently drifting around in circles as he continued forward, ignoring his feelings for now. Surely this was only part of the illness he had and nothing more.
He wasn't ready to pay them a visit. Not yet, but soon. They would force their way through.
Word count: 539
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:23 pm
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:24 pm
Unwanted Nostalgia
After much running, the Scorra finally decided to calm down and settle in a random, but obviously comfortable, spot upon the sand. Rastian slid off it's back and laid down next to it to take a breather. This stupid bird had taken him for one hell of joy ride, he was more winded than the bird was! Poor Echowen, too. He was more than frazzled from having to hold on for dear life. He allowed the sprite to take roost in the bird's feathers while he rested, and closed his eyes.
"Hey, Rastian, come sit with me for a little while!"
He twisted onto his side.
"If you tell anyone, I'll kill you!"
He wriggled into a ball.
"No dinner until you bow down, boy."
His hands wrapped around his waist and squeezed.
"That wasn't so bad, was it? You're getting better at it."
He bit his lip and scrunched up his face, forcing his eyes to keep shut.
"Go clean yourself up before the others get back, or there'll be no dinner."
His knees curled up to his chest as the first few tears appeared.
"Don't worry, it only hurts a little at first."
"Liar!" He sobbed, coughing hoarsely.
"You're going to do this, or else."
"NO! I WON'T!" He screamed, jumping upwards again. His sweating had worsened, his body was shaken. It was nightfall, the Scorra was tugging him back down for a nap, and he was no closer to where he needed to be.
Word count: 248
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:53 pm
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 7:53 pm
Bombarded By Memories
It was midnight when he found himself in another cold sweat episode. He couldn't sleep, think, or breathe very well, and his shaking had only gotten more violent. The Aldabuck had risen to sit with him, offering a soft pat with it's head as a comfort, and the Scorra moved closer in hopes of keeping him warm. However, neither animal were able to understand the real source of Rastian's shaking. His eyes had long since glazed over and grown distant. He was far from Tale, at least the Tale of the present day.
The village of Vers, deep in Tale's southern forests. A place that Rastian hoped he would forget. He had avoided all trading to that village so far for reasons he refused to explain, even to his own family. In the depths of his mind it lived, this village, locked away in a permanent frozen state. He had arrived there with a group of men, a trio to be exact, who had found him alone in the middle of the desert. All seemed fine in the beginning, he was treated well, given food, shelter, water, everything a child would need to grow up healthy and strong. But, a fourth member met up with them a few months after they arrived, one that took an unnatural liking to the then preteen boy.
When the others were away, the man would force Rastian to do very unpleasant things. He would end up dirty, bruised, or simply disgusted with himself if he complied, and he would find himself without food if he refused. For years this continued without the original three men taking any notice. It seemed that Rastian would never be freed for his tormentor, until one evening. One of the original three men caught the other man in the act, and beat him to the ground, before shuffling Rastian away. But, by then, Rastian was too afraid to stay with the original group, and ran away as soon as he could.
From there, it was another year and a half on his own. Back to surviving on what he could find versus what others found for him. He would often think back to the comfort he felt from the three men who had both brought him to Vers and saved him from it, but his thoughts went no further than that. He didn't want to chance being found by that man, the one who harmed him in so many ways. All he had to do was survive until his father came to get him, which he did, eventually. Before leaving him with strangers, again, who quickly became his family soon after. Come to think of it, Mez was the only place he could call his home, wasn't it?
Finally, his shaking ceased, and his eyes began to clear. The sun was rising again, just as it had before, but in a different way. He was close, very close, he would be there soon.
Whether psychologically, emotionally, or, simply, physically, he would be there soon. And he would be okay.
Word count: 510
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 7:55 pm
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 11:12 pm
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Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 11:14 pm
Relaxation Frustration
The sun hung in mid-space outside the window of the medical hut, cascading in it's typical pattern across the dark, wooden inside. Golden lines of light, pleasantly making their presence known to the ill residing within, only to be recieved cynically by the fog cloud flopped over in a cot towards the corner of the room. It was fixing to be a gorgeous afternoon, again, and because of his illness, Rastian was missing it. The Healer heaved a sigh, wriggled towards the side of the bed, and swiveled his legs over. A wave of dizziness smacked him like clod of dirt, colliding and bursting, lingering and fading gradually as it came. A stable hand rubbed at the center of his forehead, relief finding it's way to the root of the problem faster than without, and he moved to stand.
He hated having to tell them each time he had to go to the bathroom, it was as indecent as it was embarrassing, but while he was here, he had to put up with the level of security he was being thumbed under. He shuffled towards the door, nudging it open ever so slightly, before pushing it outward. There didn't seem to be a Guard standing out here today, how strange. He stood still, pondering what he should do next, before wandering out into the forest. Eh, they wouldn't mind if he left to go to the restroom, right? It wasn't like he was going to race off into the unknown or something. He wanted to, but he wasn't going to. Was he?
Business done and covered, he turned to go back to the medical hut, hoping that he hadn't gone too far to cause a ruckus. But, as he neared the hut, he discovered that it was still empty and unguarded. Green eyes gleamed with a deviousness only a child could accomplish, and he hustled inside. This was his chance to flee! He could be in Mez by tomorrow morning if he left now. He could be home with his brothers, his family, just where he wanted to be! He gathered his belongings, fastened his boots, and grabbed his staff. Hopefully nothing would bar him from escaping, not that he was truly a prisoner, all he wanted to do was go home for the remainder of his treatment. Was that too much to ask? He shook his head, brushed a few stray hairs out of his eyes, and took the first leap out the door.
He got no more than ten feet away before Yaholo was on his tail. How was that guy so fast?! He growled, backed himself up against a tree, and brandished his staff. If Yaholo wanted to drag him back to the hut, he would have to fight him, even if it killed him!
Word count: 469
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Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2013 11:31 am
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Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 8:01 am
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Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 12:06 pm
Square One, Step Two
The battle had gone just as he had predicted, failure. However, he had managed to freeze Yaholo with ice bombs and shards for a minute or two, a fact which he reveled in happily. He knew how much the Massif hated being cold, so pelting him with ice was just about the best thing that he could do to dent him. Still, the forest was like a furnace, and ice melted rather quickly. It was more like a quick burn than an actual hit, but it was satisfaction enough. However, as it often went with his life, karma was quick to deliver a swift kick to the rear. Yaholo had done a wonderful amount of damage to his already fragile form, leaving him stuck in bed nursing a dented shoulder and bruised legs. It was a place he desperately wanted to leave, but now he had no other option but to stay inside and rest until he could make his next move.
There was a new guard outside, one he swore he recognized by the way they spoke, but thought nothing of it at first. He could tell the Guard was male, possibly middle-aged, and was wielding a bow and arrow of some fashion. Though he couldn't see his face through the door, something deep inside Rastian's mind told him that this person was someone he knew, someone from long ago. But, how could he really tell if he couldn't see him? He would ponder this often, usually everytime he heard the Guard speak, and a name began to wriggle it's way through the woodwork. "Ezhno"
Suppose this new Guard was Ezhno, one of the men that found him when he was younger. Suppose he was here to say hello or simply watch over him as he had promised years before. Suppose he was just here on command from Cusick, to keep him from escaping again, and didn't know who he was guarding to begin with. Then, what should he do? Should he call out to a man who may or may not be who he thinks he is? What sort of humiliation would befall him if he were Ezhno or if he wasn't? He couldn't exactly hide here, now could he? No, the only covers were the ones upon the bed he was in, and they provided little comfort and solace from his anxieties. But, fears aside, it still bothered him. He had to be sure, he had to know, was this one of the men who had tried to love him all those years ago?
Each night for about a week. he tried to convince himself to call out to the guard, but it wasn't until the last day that anything burst past his tightly clasped lips. He held his breath, leaned back up against the wall, and shouted as loud as he could.
"Ezhno!"
There was silence, except for the shifting of a few odd leaves, possibly the movement of a hand. Then, the door opened a crack, green eyes peering through. They seemed stunned, or at least startled, before they darted away with the turning of his head. Rastian's heart dropped to the floor, had he been right or had he been wrong? He simmered back into the bed and let out an agonized sigh. But, just before he could damn himself any further, he felt a hand stroking his head. When he looked, the guard was kneeling before him, tears in his eyes. He... He had been... Right?
"Ezhno... It is you!" He exclaimed, reaching out for the eagerly for the arms held out to him. "I was sure that I heard your voice outside, I remembered exactly how you used to laugh and everything! How are you? Are they others okay? Are they here?"
Questions poured out of the Healer's mouth and onto the floor, before he dissolved into tears. His forehead dropped right into the crook of Ezhno's shoulder, where he was given a firm, loving hug. He hadn't realized just how much he missed Ezhno and the other men, not until this very moment. The smell of his hair, the strength of his arms, they were all so familiar. He remembered them, he missed them, and he wanted nothing more than to embrace them all again. It wasn't for another hour that he was able to let go and listen to the answers to his questions.
The other two men were already on their way, according to letters written a week or two before, and they were both healthy and doing perfectly well. Everything Rastian had hope for them had happened, they found love, had children, and had a place to rest their heads at night. But, not one of the men had forgotten about the little purple haired boy they had met when they were young men traveling together in the desert. Ezhno explained that they had searched high and low for him after he had left, only to find that Rastian had found a family in Mez. Naturally, Rastian was confused.
"Wait, who told you I was in Mez?" He asked. "There's no way you could have figured that out without help, because I was taken there by my adoptive father and no one else."
"My sister told me." Ezhno replied. "Sangita. She and I aren't always on best terms, but I had sent her a letter mentioning you and she said that you were with her and her family and that everything was okay. Needless to say, we were relieved. I know how good of a person my sister and her husband are, I couldn't have provided a better home for you."
Sangita was his sister? It was truly a small world, wasn't it? Rastian couldn't help but beam and wrap Ezhno in a hug again, before moving to lay back in bed. It was growing late, and his fevers were coming back, a typical thing now. But, as Ezhno turned to leave the hut, Rastian called out to him again.
"I can't wait to see the others, I hope they haven't changed too much." He said, smiling. "Do you think they'll be here tomorrow?"
Ehzno shrugged his shoulders and smiled, before stepping out of the hut. Rastian supposed that he didn't know, which was fine by him. It would give him more time to prepare for their arrival. He flopped over onto his side and sighed. Everything seemed to be getting easier, and hopefully, it would stay that way for a long time.
Word count: 1086
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Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 10:03 pm
Visions Of White
Four spirits surrounded my bedside, cloaked in white, eyes filled with light. I couldn't move, except for my eyes, and I shook them left to right. No, you may not take me, I am not ready, go away, far away!
My "voice" was unheard, they remained, concerned for my well being. They moved like candles, flickering in the darkness, as they shook their heads in pity. I was, to them, a broken doll, one that was beyond natural mending. I fussed, though in my mind, still frozen by a spiritual barrier. Do you not understand my expression? Please leave me alone! I am healing, I will learn, but in my own time! Go away, let Susuya handle things from here!
The smallest spirit finally looked me dead in the eyes, and placed her hands upon my head. It was a gesture of calming, one that I fought against. How could I be sure that they weren't trying to take me away? My mind reeled against the touch, my heartbeat steadily increasing. I don't trust you! Let me be! Let me be!
But, they stayed, each glaring at my ever fervent heart. It thumped in my chest, making such a racket, even I could hardly bear it. Each spirit looked to the other beside it, waved their hands about in an argumentative fashion, and vanished from my side, all except for the smallest spirit, who was grinning wildly. I gave her a look, and sighed. I suppose you understand. You can stay.
She continued to smile, and gathered her cloak from under her feet, revealing her blue skin below. Her eyes turned an amber hue as she moved to lay beside me, humming a tune in my ear. Suddenly, I felt calm, and my heartbeat began to stabilize.
"Do you think these are simple dreams, Laoz?" Rastian asked. "She feels familiar, like I should know her, isn't that strange?"
At the window stood a rather burly looking Leaf tribesman, his expression rather thoughtful. He tapped his chin, scratched at his beard, and turned to face Rastian again.
"Tough call, but I do have a suggestion." He said. "You could try to speak to her directly in the vision itself. If she answers you on a random question, she is likely a spirit guide. Though, you can never be certain based off of just that."
Rastian simmered down into bed again, closing his eyes. He would act out his plan tonight, should the spirits return.
Word count: 414
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Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 10:06 pm
Recognition, Though Unfamiliar
Who are you?
Again, I am left with her, the tiny cloaked child from my dreams. She sits atop my chest, though I feel no weight from her position, and smiles at me in a pleased manner. My question goes unanswered, the silence waving between the space in the center where her gaze parts from mine. I twist, my arms moving forward, and she grabs me in return. Who are you? I shout, though in reality my lips haven't moved. She tilts her head, her eyes flickering like sunlight through the trees. Who are you? I repeat, moving to sit up in bed. Can you not answer me? Are you deaf?
She remains seated, her lips pursing as I speak. I wonder if she is upset by my insistence, or if she is simply pondering how to best answer my questions. But, the minutes tick by, and she remains poised and silent, her gaze never failing to stay upon me. Can you understand me? I ask, my eyebrows arching. Finally, an answer, a nod of the head, and a gesture or two from her hands. Could it be that she is unable to communicate? I reach out for her again, and our hands intertwine.
"Do you understand?" A small voice says.
I pause, puzzled. Understand? What do I have left to understand?
"I am, you are, we are." She replies. "I am here, you are here, we are here."
I understand that, I've been here for a while. I sigh, shaking my head. How is that hard to understand?
"Of course, but why?" She inquires. "Why am I here? Why are you here? Why are we here?"
I sit back, my hands drifting further away from hers. I don't know I stammer. I don't know!
She leans backwards as I do, and hops off the bed. The energies around us become erratic as my heartbeat increases, but her calm expression remains the same. I turn to watch her disappear, like the others before, but to my intrigue, her hood falls away just before she vanishes from sight.
Why do you look like Viveka?
Word count: 354
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Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 10:11 pm
You Were, Once, Perhaps
A new room has opened up, one I've never seen before. Though I was frightened, an odd emotion for me, I decided it was wise to venture through this uncharted territory. After all, I do enjoy a good walk through the unknown once and a while. It's good for the mind, body, and soul. I approached the doorway and leaned my head inside, inspecting the credibility of the pathway before taking that leap forward. The one where you won't know how long you'll be gone, or if you'll ever be able to come back.
I was surprised to find, once inside this new space, that it was made of nearly nothing but light. Even more perplexing, each thought I had caused the lights to shift or change in hue. Confusion created blinding patterns, worry was represented by a painful bright blue, and thoughts of how odd this new place was seemed to only make the lights more welcoming. I worked to control my thoughts, tapering them into a category of positivity, in order to maintain the warm feeling I was receiving. Still, as I continued to wander, my eyes would catch a glimpse of something floating off to the side, but I could never seem to see it right when I turned to inspect it. However, I'd soon discover the origin of these floating objects, a strange bird-like creature seated in the center of the room.
What are you? I asked, leaning forward to touch it.
The creature turned to look towards me, revealing a human body underneath it's wings. It blinked it's tired eyes, smiled towards me, and wrapped it's arms around me. "I've been waiting for you." It said. "What have you decided? Will you stay, or will you go? Either way, I will be with you."
I wasn't sure of how to respond to anything the creature had said or done, but as soon as I felt it's arms around me, I felt renewed. My whole body realigned with my heart, and I returned the creature's loving gaze. I will stay. I replied. I am not yet finished.
The creature squealed with delight at my response, a reaction I had somehow predicted. It's wings flew open and flapped, spreading it's feather's around. "Good! Then I will follow you on the other side!" It said, grinning. "Don't forget to visit the second door, or else he'll be cross!
Before I could ask who "he" was, I was whisked away to another room, a room filled with plants and sand. Standing in center, this time, was an equally odd creature, with horns upon it's head. It stepped towards me and wrapped me in a hug.
"I am pleased that you have decided to remain with us." It said, leaning it's forehead against mine. "She and I have worried for you, we didn't wish for you to hurt anymore. But, we did not want to see you leave us either.
It turned, suddenly preoccupied by an animal scurrying out from behind a tree, and laughed. "Hm, it seems Vitani still wishes to speak with you. She means you no harm, but don't fall victim to the others. They doubt you, Rastian, don't let them steal your fire."
Again, I was spirited away into another space, where the small cloaked girl stood waiting. Her expression betrayed sadness, or disappointment, even as I knelt beside her. Why are you sad? I asked, gently taking her hand.
"You aren't staying with me, you are leaving." She said, wrapping her arms around my neck. "I want to go with you and be a part of your world. I used to be there, but only for a little while. You were..."
I was your brother, wasn't I? I asked. Her eyes glistened with tears and she nodded her head against my shoulder. That explains why you look so much like Viveka, you must have been his twin.
My words fell upon the ground like the sudden shower of rain that blew around us, her eyes had closed, and her body grew limp. The rain turned to snow and a scene was set before me. My father holds a small bundle, one of which he sobs over, as Ren draws close to his side. She holds a separate pair of bundles, one I'm sure contains me. I wander forward to peer at the baby my father is holding, my blood going cold. The child isn't breathing, and looks to be at least a few months old. My father frantically massages the baby's back and checks it's pulse, and does so for well over an hour. A town healer is called soon after, who pronounces the baby girl, Vitani, dead. An illness had struck her in the early month's of birth, causing her fragile infant body to deteriorate. There was nothing else that could be done for her.
It makes sense now... Why I was given up. I muttered, turning away from the scene. All of the money they had was devoted to keeping Vitani well, and when she died, they discovered that they had barely enough money to keep themselves afloat. Osha was their miracle, someone they trusted to take care of me while they grieved, found new jobs, and got back on track.
I faced Vitani again as her hands clenched tightly to my sides. My journey, here, was through, but, my heart couldn't allow her to stay here alone in the cold. I wrapped my arms tightly around her and allowed my thoughts to drift back to my plans for the future, on the other side.
"Well, that was interesting." Rastian muttered, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. He raised his hand to his head and smiled, no fever, no headache, he felt like he could go take a quick walk outside! But, before he could stand to do so, a rush of cold air caused the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on edge. He gazed around, patted his chest, and sighed. "You can stay with me, as long as you don't cause trouble."
Somewhere in his heart he knew he was doing the right thing. He felt light as a feather, as tough as a horn, and as energetic as a child. How could those feelings do him any wrong? He stood, strapped on his cloak, and took a deep breath in. The door was open, the world was waiting, and he was more than prepared.
Word count: 1081
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Posted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 10:14 pm
Hello, How Are You?
It's often noted that the simplest of things can make all the difference in someone's life. A hug, a few words, a letter or two, maybe a song, can all make a gloomy day seem lighter than it was. Dark clouds looming overhead are washed with white when a friend is near and holding your hand.
Rastian had said goodbye to Yaholo, and his adorable pair of sons, not more than a few hours ago, and was on his way home with a familiar trio of men whom he hadn't seen in a long, long time. There was Ezhno, the tallest of the group, but by far the most intelligent and capable. He wore his head in the same high top pony tail, strapped with the same bangles and ties, and spoke with that same lull, the one you could listen to all day and never get bored. Ahead, just by a little, stood Laoz, a portly gentleman with enough scruff to open a wig shop. Like Ezhno, he was capable, but not always the most intelligent. He had gained quite a bit of weight from when Rastian was younger, but his personality had remained intact. And, last, but not least, standing beside him, was Adi, the friendliest Healer you could ever shake hands with. He stayed close to Rastian, clinging to his arm from time to time, acting as if they were father and son. He was the shortest of the group, about the same height as Rastian, and was by far, the skinniest as well.
They moved like a singular unit, each acting out one part of one human being. The brains, the responsibility, and the nurturing, the capability, the laughter, and the love, all rolling upon one dial symbolically. Rastian kept the pace as best he could, pausing for a drink and a check up with Adi once and a while. He was appreciative to them for their kind words and love, as well as their wisdom and patience. It seem like they had really, genuinely, missed him all these years gone by. After all the chaos and abuse he went through with the fourth man they had met in Vers, all they seemed to want to do is make up for it in the best ways they knew how. They presented him with gifts, hugs, warmth, and food, as well as enough jokes and love to last him a good while. It brought the young Healer to tears multiple times, which he let loose freely, knowing that they would pause to allow him the chance to heal properly before moving forward again.
All these emotions were suddenly welcome to Rastian and no longer felt like knives against his chest. He could go home and start a new chapter, breathe new life into his lungs, and take his time. But, first, they would be stopping in Yera, and moving on to other villages from there. While he was reluctant to venture to Vers and see the old village again, he knew that he would have the best team standing beside him to catch him if he fell.
Word count: 521
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